Objective
Research in neurophysiology has identified potentially canonical mechanisms and circuits that are repeated across multiple brain regions. A classic example of a canonical computation is gain control,which in sensory pathways allows neurons to adapt their dynamic range to the statistics of the local environment. Gain control has been most studied in the visual pathway, where it helps make neurons sensitive to both spatial and temporal context. Yet many parallel nerve pathways leave the eye and terminate in different brain nuclei. It is not known whether each of these pathways use different forms of gain control or whether the same mechanisms are used throughout. This project will measure the activity of populations of nerve cells in the two major target nuclei in the brain - the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the superior colliculus - of mice. In anaesthetised mice we will characterise the gain controls that are present in these different nuclei, to understand their similarities and differences. Paired recordings from these two brain areas will be used to establish how gain controls differ in neurons that get input from the same retinal sources. In additional experiments we will make recordings from these areas in awake mice, in the presence and absence of a visual task. In each case we will characterise the gain controls and functional connectivity of neurons to establish how gain controls modulate the flow of information during visual processing. Our work will therefore provide knowledge of whether gain control forms a single canonical mechanism, or if it is used flexibly to support specific computational requirements.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
WC1E 6BT LONDON
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.